Helm's Hold Prisons

A-Cave Entrance B-Stairs Up C-Johnny D-Dumal E-Yari F-Locked Chest

If you entered Helm's Hold through the cave, you will start at this level. Near the cave entrance you'll find Jinkies, a gnome guard (3rd-level fighter/4th-level rogue). Near the stairs to the ground floor, you'll find Johnny, the son of a murdered Helmite who sells basic goods.

In addition to numerous undead denizens (zombies, zombie warriors, and a zombie lord), you'll find two prisoners here. Dumal is a former Helmite who can give you some information about Desther's infiltration. Yari is a follower of Desther's who got himself locked in. You can smash the lock and make that a permanent situation if you choose.

In one of the northeastern cells, you'll find a locked chest rigged with a deadly fire trap. Both the trap and the lock have a high DC (34) so don't attempt to open the chest unless you have high rogue skills.

Upper Floors

When you've finished looting the main and prison floors, begin the ascent to the top. On your way, stop and speak with Fenthick. There's not much you can do to help or hinder him. He understands what he's done and that he will be punished for it. Just let him weep--some sort of justice will be served soon enough.

When Desther surrenders, take him to Neverwinter.

Once you reach the top floor, you'll be sealed in. There are two rooms with loot and undead. Kill them if you want the experience points--they'll disappear after you've dealt with Desther. Rest up, drink your potions, and cast your preparation spells--the next fight won't be easy.

A small army of undead guards Desther. Desther himself may seem invincible, but he isn't. That's not to say he isn't tough--he's only a 10th-level cleric, but he has 1,130 hit points. More importantly, though, he has supernatural assistance. The ritual creatures in the chamber are strengthening him, so kill them first. They have only 1 hit point each, so it shouldn't be too tough.

Once the ritual creatures are dead, get to work on Desther. He'll surrender once you get him down below 900 hit points. Once he surrenders, loot everything in the vicinity, then take him back to Neverwinter.